Thousands of chickens are dead after someone broke into a poultry barn in Pine Grove, N.S., over the weekend.
Lunenburg District RCMP responded to a report of a break and enter at the facility on Naugler Road around 9:50 a.m. Saturday.
Police say 10,000 chickens died after the building’s ventilation fans were turned off during the break-in.
“We eliminated the human error at this point, so we do believe somebody tampered with the ventilation system on purpose,” Lunenburg RCMP Cpl. Dominic Laflamme told reporters Tuesday afternoon, adding that the temperature in the building spiked after the fans were turned off.
“Nothing stolen or missing, other than people gaining illegal entry in the farm and tampering with the system.”
Investigators believe the incident happened around 9:45 p.m. Friday.
Police say they are looking at the footage from two security cameras on the property.
“We’re going through some footage and we’re going to see if we can get anything,” said Laflamme. “These investigations take time, obviously, but we’re hopeful we’re going to get to the bottom of it.”
Investigators say it’s too soon to tell whether the incident was random or targeted and they have no suspects at this time.
“This is why we’re appealing to the public to help us out and resolve this case and bring people to justice,” said Laflamme.
“On top of the money, obviously, and the time, we’re talking about animal cruelty too. It’s sad to see that many animals dying in this way.”
Police say the person responsible could face charges including break and enter, mischief, and charges related to animal cruelty.
Investigators are asking anyone with information or video from the area to contact Lunenburg District RCMP at 902-527-5555.
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